illycaffè Secures B Corp Recertification Under Updated V2 Standards
Italian coffee company illycaffè has obtained B Corp recertification under B Lab's new V2 standards, alongside reporting H1 2026 consolidated revenues of €373 million.
Italian coffee company illycaffè has achieved B Corp recertification under B Lab’s updated V2 standards, according to an announcement reported by Food Business Africa. The framework assesses corporate practices across governance, climate action, human rights, fair work, environmental stewardship, equity, diversity and inclusion, and collective action.
The updated V2 certification system established by B Lab introduces more structured criteria, placing a heavier focus on progressive performance, transparency, and accountability. According to illycaffè, the recertification aligns with its operational strategy to manage impacts across its stakeholders, including coffee farmers, employees, supply chain partners, consumers, and operating regions.
Cristina Scocchia, Chief Executive Officer of illycaffè, stated that participating in the B Corp movement reflects a business approach that measures achievements beyond financial results to include contributions to society and the environment. She described the V2 recertification as an incentive to maintain rigorous standards, transparency, and consistency with corporate values. Juliette Caulkins, Managing Director of B Lab Europe, noted that the recertification underscores the company's willingness to undergo independent verification against global social and environmental standards.
Founded in Trieste, Italy, in 1933, illycaffè specializes in a 100% Arabica coffee blend and distributes products to more than 140 countries. The company reports that over 10 million cups of its coffee are consumed daily across various distribution channels, including retail homes, offices, hotels, restaurants, and single-brand cafés. Additionally, illycaffè operates the University of Coffee, providing training for growers, baristas, and consumers across 24 countries.
The recertification comes alongside recent financial growth for the business. illycaffè reported consolidated revenues of €373 million for the first half of 2026, representing a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Growth was driven by strong volume performance across markets, led by Italy and the United States, with double-digit gains across sales channels. For the full year 2025, illycaffè reported consolidated annual revenue of €700 million.
Key facts
- illycaffè achieved B Corp recertification under B Lab's stricter V2 standards.
- The V2 framework focuses on governance, climate action, human rights, fair work, environmental stewardship, and equity.
- illycaffè recorded €373 million in consolidated revenue for H1 2026, a 19% increase compared to H1 2025.
- Consolidated annual revenue for 2025 reached €700 million.
- The brand distributes its 100% Arabica blend to over 140 countries and runs the University of Coffee in 24 countries.
Why it matters
Demonstrates how major international coffee brands are updating their ESG frameworks to align with stricter B Corp V2 standards while maintaining revenue growth across retail, out-of-home, and HORECA channels.
- Food Business Africa — 2026-09-29: “illycaffè secures B Corp recertification under new V2 standards”
This article was prepared by WBI.org from the sources listed above with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a WBI editor before publication. Information is attributed to its original sources.